Hey all,
Bumping this because, well, I just found it, and the headlines have moved on, but I just got back from helping with a group based out of the Spruce Pine area and can confirm there is still a lot of need and work to be done.
To 2nd
@NCFJ, SC also had troubles, and those that were impacted I am sorry for. County EOC has stood down here though and utilities are mostly restored. What I have seen and helped with around Spartanburg Co is nothing like what I have experienced in the mountains. I have worked in multiple hurricane areas in coastal areas and was personally hit by Andrew and Rita. Helene more closely resembles my experience in Iraq 2003.
Summary of where I have been:
1st week - Swananoa/Black Mountain, Asheville, Mars Hill, Bat Cave, Spruce Pine and countless fire stations and churches between shuttling supplies and trying to find needs to fill.
3rd week - Tryon with county SAR then Bernardsville, Burnsville, Bean’s Creek, and Spruce Pine for general help.
Churches everywhere are doing their best to process donations that are pouring in but are also trying to figure out how to. It was common to visit one and be asked to take something they had too much of and we would transport it to another that could use it. Currently, anything for heat seems to be the biggest need after this recent cold snap. Generally they are overwhelmed with bottled water and clothes.
I saw Samaritan’s Purse mentioned as a potential donation organization and can confirm they were also active around the towns. The Salvation Army had a relief center set up in hard hit Bernardsville and the locals were grateful to them. The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief was also active with meals and supplies. I can’t speak to any other national organization.
Yesterday our team met a man in Bernardsville that was the first house on the road where a creek jumped the bank. One of the team posted his story if you are interested (he is also shopping for an 80 and will likely be in the ONSC ranks soon).
*** Please Share *** The videos below are first hand footage of Hurricane Helene running through WNC that have not been posted online before this. This homeowner asked me to post these on social...
www.facebook.com
Teaser, this is the before and after of his front yard:
I hope this is helpful, but will try to answer anything I can from my direct observations. There is a lot or rumor and hearsay that I will not participate in.
Edit: Forgot to mention that the group I was working with is the Venture Unknown Foundation. They are an offroad/overlanding service organization that has used the resources and initiative to morph into a relief group. Anything that has gone to them has absolutely been used responsibility and with helping Helene victims in mind. It has really been great to experience.
